Method and apparatus for processing anisotropic solid substances



June 21, 1966 F. H. SNYDER 3,257,080

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING ANISOTROPIC SOLID SUBSTANCES Filed Feb. 26, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l Fro/7a.: H. Jaye er ,INVENTOR.

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ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 F. H. SNYDER 3,257,080

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING ANISOTROPIG SOLID SUBSTANCES Flled Feb. 26, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Franc/J \Snya er INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,257,080 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING ANISOTROPIC SOLID SUBSTANCES Francis H. Snyder, Newtown, Conn., asslgnor to Tredco, Ltd, Houston, Tex., a limited partnership of Texas Filed Feb. 26, 1965, Ser. No. 435,614 16 Claims. (Cl. 241-5) The present invention relates generally to a method and an apparatus for the processing of anisotropic solid substance, such as ores, to discretely separate the individual components of the substances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing of anisotropic solid substances, such as ores, for explosively separating the components at preferably subatmospheric pressures whereby such separation is substantially complete without excessive destruction of the natural particle size of the components.

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of my prior copending application Serial No. 292,510, filed May 31, 1963, now abandoned.

Prior to the present invention attempt-s have been made to process ores by explosively separating the mineral components of ores. This work has not resulted in any commercial application of such processes primarily because such processes have not economically produced separated mineral components in a form which had commercial value. Such processes have produced separated mineral components, as hereinafter defined, but the products have been incompletely separated and, in some instances, have not provided separation of discrete components having relatively clean surfaces which would allow simple and economical concentration of the components. The small particle sizes resulting from prior processes may have been caused by abrasion or impact of the particles on the apparatus through which the particle-s flow with consequent extreme wear on the apparatus and attrition of the particles because of varied particle velocities. In

' some instances, the wear on valves has been such that they have had to be replaced subsequent to each {batch of ore processed.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of processing an anisotropic solid substance to separate the components of the substance wherein such components are released as discrete 3,257,080 Patented June 21, 1966 art, such as ore beneficiation processes, having application to the concentration of particles subsequent to the breaking of the bond holding the components in the original substance being processed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for processing an anisotropic solid substance to provide discrete separation of the components thereof wherein the substance is originally subjected to energy potential in a first zone and is conducted from the first zone to a second zone in such manner that there is no substantial energy loss so that upon discharge into the said second zone, substantially all of the energy potential is utilized in the second zone and is effective to accomplish the separation of the components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method or process for the separation of components of an anisotropic solid substance in which the energy potential to which the substance is subjected is suddenly released into a zone without the creation of a backpressure efiect which would adversely affect the proper separation of said components.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus of the character described wherein an anisotropic solid substance, after being subjected to fiuid pressure energy in a first zone, is conducted through a conduit which is of such a size and length to prevent dissipation of energy therein and to produce an acceleration of the substance to a substantial velocity at the point of discharge from the conduit into an energy release zone in which the sudden release of substantially all of the pressure energy occurs without the creation of adverse back-pressure conditions in said energy release zone.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for processing an ore to separate the mineral components thereof wherein the ore is originally subjected to superatrnospheric pres-sure and thereafter to an explosive release of the pressure on the ore in a zone maintained atsubatmospheric pressure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for processing ore to separate the mineral components thereof wherein the ore is originally subjected to superatmospheric pressure and thereafter the energy in the ore charge is released in a relatively small portion of a zone maintained at subatmospheric pressure.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for explosively separating the mineral components of an ore in which the disadvantage of excessive valve wear is overcome.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for explosively processing particles which are readily amenable to subsequent economic recovery of the components.

individual components into separate storage areas after they are freed of their original bond. Such concentration may be accomplished in conjunction with the present invention by any of the well-known processes of the prior an ore for the separation of its mineral components and by exposing the ore to vibrations, such as shock waves,

caused by the sudden release of energy. e 1

Still another object of the present invention is to pro- ,vide an improved method and apparatus for the separation of the components of an ore wherein the velocity of the ore change flowing from a charging zone to a receiving zone is accelerated by entrainment in a stream of driving fluid whereby the ore particles enter the receiving chamber gt a1 substantially lower velocity than that of the driving A specific object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus of the character described, wherein release of the energy of the charge occurs in an energy release zone and the components being separated are subjected to an impact means in said release zone, which impact meansassists in accomplishing the desired result.

These and other objects of the present invention are hereinafter more fullydescribed and explained with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus used to perform the method of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a cross section view taken on line 2--2 in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a simplified illustration Of the apparatus for carry-ing out the process cf the present invention.

FIGURE 4 is a similar illustration of another form of apparatus for carrying out the process of the present invention.

FIGURE 5 is a detail view of the blast space which is created in the receiving chamber.

The process of the present invention has application to anisotropic solid substances. The term anisotropic solid substances as used herein are substances which do not exhibit properties with the same values when measured along the axes in all directions and such term includes ores. in separating an anisotropic solid substance comprising a plurality of components said substances will be processed by the method and apparatus of this invention to separate the substance into discrete component particles along the interfacial and native phase boundaries, natural fracture planes and planes of fatigue. Examples of solid substances to which the present invention has application are:

(1) Natural rocks and minerals, such as ores, to recover the desired components;

(2) Vegetable substances, such as wood, bagasse, agricultural residue and cork, to separate the fibers from the lamellar component of the vegetable substances;

(3) Animal substances, such as bones and leather, to recover components therefrom;

(4) Artifacts which are herein intended to mean any substance made or modified by man, such as slag, fiber resin combinations and scrap paper to recover components therefrom.

The basic concept of the method and apparatus of the present invention is shown in the simple illustrations of FIGURES 3 and 4. In FIGURE 3 a first zone A is defined by a vessel 2 which is connected through a conduit 15 with a second zone B defined by a receiving vessel 16. Flow through the conduit 15 is controlled by a quickopening valve 12. V

The relationship of the volumes of the zones A and B to each other and the relationship of the conduit 15 to the first zone A have been found to be important in accomplishing the improved results. Also, the relationship of the total volume of zone B with respect to the charge which will be discharged into said zone B has an effect upon the efliciency of operation. As will be explained in detail, the conduit 15 functions as a restriction to the flow of the charge as it passes from zone A to zone B.

In carrying out the method the substance, the components of which are to be separated, is introduced into zone A and at this time valve 12 is closed. The substance in zone A is subjected to a pressure fluid, such as steam, which is introduced in any suitable manner. Pressure fluid introduction is continued until a preselected pressure is reached whereby energy is stored within zone A. The preselected pressure is varied with the particular substance being processed.

The quick-opening valve 12 is actuated to suddenly open communication between zone A and conduit 15 resulting in a rapid flow of the substance and fluid, which comtent with reference to both solid and fluid phases, is suddenly and expansively discharged into the second zone B. This results in a sudden release of energy within that portion of zone B adjacent the point of connection with conduit 15, such portion being referred to herein as a blast space. The substance is subjected not only to the explosive iorce caused by the rapid expansion of pressure fluid but also to any vibrations and shock waves which may occur. Upon expansion of the charge, the heat content of the fluid is rapidly consumed in performing work, but as this occurs, a transfer of heat from the substance particles to the fluid by radiation and conduction takes place. This results in prolonging the blast period and assures full utilization of the available energy. By reason of the large volume of zone B with respect to the relatively small size of the blast space, there is no adverse back-pressure condition or effect created in zone B caused by the sudden release of the energy. Undue back-pressure conditions or effects would intenfere with full utilization or released energy andwould reduce the efliciency of separation of components of the substance.

It is believed that the fluid portion of the charge is ejected from the conduit 15 into zone B at supersonic velocity which creates a jet in which a violent shock wave pattern develops. The shock wave pattern normal to a supersonic jet of fluid alone is greatly modified and conditioned by the intrusion of irregular solid masses. As these masses are disintegrated by the violent and repeated shocks which are induced by their own irregular shapes, the space fills with a highly agitated swarm of smaller particles still being exposed to the violent pressure and temperature gradients which are characteristic of shock waves and these, together with the high velocity impingement or interparticle collisions and the explosive rate at which kinetic energy is converted to mechanical work, produce eflicient and enormously rapid preferential separation of discrete particles of the substance.

In FIGURE 4 a different configuration of apparatus is shown. This form includes a first zone A defined by a vessel 2a, a second zone B defined by a vessel 16a, a connecting conduit 15a and a quick-opening valve 12a in said conduit. The relationships between the elements are as above described with respect to FIGURE 3, and the only difference is in the conduit 15a. In FIGURE 4 this conduit provides a straight through flow between zones A and B, whereas in FIGURE 3 conduit 15 includes a turn whereby the charge from zone A is discharged vertically and then enters zone B in a horizontal direction. The operation of both forms of the invention is substantially the same.

In order to more fully explain the blast space and the action therein, reference is made to FIGURE 5. In this figure the blast space, generally indicated at S, is shown in connection with zone B defined by the vessel 16a. As the charge is suddenly introduced into the vessel defining zone B, it is believed that the fluid will attain a velocity suflicient to create a supersonic jet which is generally indicated by the letter J. -As is well-known, a shock wave pattern P is generated within the jet and the boundaries Q of the jet are substantially as shown; actually the boundaries of a supersonic jet wave pattern are variable as distinguished from the defined line Q which appears in FIGURE 5, and it should be understood that the drawing is for illustrative purposes only. Surrounding the supersonic jet in which the shock wave pattern exists is the blast space S, and normally this area is termed the trans-sonic zone. As in the case of the illustration of the jet, the dotted lines S generally define the major area of the blast which results by the sudden release of energy into zone B; however, it is to be understood that this is not a fixed boundary line, but is constantly varying. Defined rigorously, the trans-sonic jet is a domain of mixed flow, i.e., sub and supersonic velocities which exist randomly. This is a consequence of the enormous number of large and small shocks, each of which, by definition, comprises a supersonic flow passing through a shock wave and emerging in subsonic flow.

The supersonic jet and blast space provide an environment which effectively accomplishes separation of the components of the substance. Because the total volume of zone B is such that no adverse back-pressure effect upon the blast space is present, utilization of substantially all of the energy to which the substance was subjected in zone A can be accomplished. This results in extremely efiicient separation of the components of the substance.

The method may be carried out with zone A under superatmospheric pressure and zone B under atmospheric pressure to produce eificient separation of components of a substance. However, tests have proven that the efficiency of separation, particularly with respect to certain substances suchas asbestos ore, can be considerably increased by maintaining zone B under subatmospheric pressures or vacuum. The maintenance of a vacuum in zone B will assist in increasing the velocity of fluid in the blast space under a given energy input; also, it will assist in eliminating an adverse back-pressure effect upon the blast space. Thus, the method contemplates that the zone B of both forms of the invention may be maintained under a vacuum.

To further increase the-efficiency of the separation of the components in zone B, it may be desirable to provide an impact surface within said zone. Preferably, such impact surface is located adjacent the extremity of the blast space and should be positioned so that it will not create an adverse back-pressureefiect on said space. An impact surface is illustrated in dotted lines designated I in FIGURE 4. The particles being discharged into zone B will impinge upon the wear surface to increase separation. The wear surface may be employed in either form of the invention.

Although the invention is applicable to processing any anisotropic solid substance, it will be hereinafter described in detail in the processing of ore to separate the mineral components thereof. It is to be understood, however, that such detailed description is not intended to limit its application.

The ore to be processed is delivered to feed hopper 1, shown in FIGURE 1, after having been previously prepared to provide a suitable ore charge to be delivered into charge chamber 2 which defines zone A. Chamber 2 is provided with charging port 3 having pressure retaining closure means 4 to prevent pressure leakage when chamber 2 is pressurized. Care should be taken to provide the amount of ore for which chamber 2 is sized in order to achieve the best results with the process. The lower portion of chamber 2 is formed as hopper 5. High pressure steam line 6 is connected into hopper 5 of chamber 2, as shown, and is provided with valve 7 .to control the flow of steam into chamber 2. An arch reliever 8 may be positioned within chamber 2 so that its lower conical surface is within hopper 5. It is preferred that the included conical angle of the lower conical surface of arch reliever 8 be the same or greater angle as compared to the included conical angle of hopper 5. Arch reliever 8 connects to rod 9 which is connected to the upper portion of chamber 2 by any suitable means, such as spider 10. Rod 9 and spider 10 should have sufficient rigidity to hold arch reliever centrally positioned with respect to hopper 5.

Outlet 11 connects from hopper 5 into valve 12. Valve 12 is a quick-opening type valve and is operated by actuator 13. Elbow 14 is connected to valve 12 immediately downstream thereof and also connects through conductor or line 15 tangentially into receiving chamber 16 which defines zone B.

It is preferable that a gas outlet pipe 17 extend upwardly from within the chamber to the area outside of said chamber for conducting gases therefrom. However, in some instances such pipe could be omitted.

Where it is desired to maintain zone B which is the process.

interior of chamber 16 under vacuum, the outlet pipe 17 is connected through a suitable condenser 18 to a vacuum source 19. Vacuum source 19 may be of any desired type, such as a vacuum pump or an ejector, and should have sulficient capacity in relationship to the total volume of chambers 16 and 2 to prevent creation of a back pressure in chamber 16 during the blast period to a level which would adversely affect operation of the A lower outlet 20 connects from the lower portion of chamber 16 and is provided with dumping closure 21. It is understood that when the system is operated without the maintenance of a vacuum, elements 18 and 19 may be omitted.

Chamber 2 is generally referred to herein as an energy charging zone and chamber 16 as an energy release zone. In FIGURE 2 a cross-sectional view of receiving chamber or energy release zone 16 illustrates the action of the charge as it discharges into the chamber 16. Wear plate 22 is positioned on the interior surface of chamber 16 and functions as an impact surface. The space designated 2'3 appearing within chamber 16 is termed the blast space, or field of high explosive energy release. This blast space is the same as that shown at S in FIG- URE 5, previously described.

In operation the ore to be processed is dischargedfrom feed hopper 1 through charging port 3 into chamber 2 with closure means 4 in an open position. It is suggested that feed hopper 1 be provided with suitable means to control the flow of ore for charging chamber 2 and with means to measure the amount of charge placed in charge chamber 2 to assure proper functioning of the process. 1 The charge fraction (the weight of charge placed in charge chamber 2 as compared to the total weight of charge which could be contained with chamber 2 completely full) will vary with the apparent density of the charge, with the friability, particle size and size distribution of the charge and the economics of the installation. Care should be taken in the charging of chamber 2 to assure that once it is completely charged no 'ore particles will interfere with the sealing of closure means 4.

When chamber 2 is charged with ore to be processed, then closure means 4 is closed and steam is injected into chamber 2 through steam line 6. Steam injection is continued until the pressure within vessel 2 has increased to the desired operating pressure. pressure is reached, the valve 12 is opened and the charge is conducted through line 15 from the chamber 2 to the chamber 16. It has been found desirable to introduce the steam as rapidly as possible to minimize condensation and thereby reduce steam consumption; however on occasion it may be preferable to provide an additional short time interval during which the operating pressure is maintained before opening the valve 12. It has been found that after the initial period of pressurization of the chamher 2, the pressure will drop unless additional steam is added to the chamber 2. It is believed that at least a portion of the steam consumed at this time isdue to condensation of the steam on the charge, while other portions are the result of condensation caused by thermal leakage. The, efliciency of the operation may be improved by preheating the charge. This can be done most economically in most instances by utilizing waste heat from the boiler providing the steam to the process.

The time during which steam is injected into chamber 2 is a period of accumulation of energy and will vary with the different types of ore being processed. Often incomplete separation is the result of insuificient energy input. Also, the destruction of the discrete native mineral particles resulting in an excess amount of fines may be caused by excessive energy input. Obviously, exces- -sive energy input increases cost and is economically undesirable. Examples of typical applications of the present invention to ores are hereinafter set forth and include When such operating details of charge, pressure, time and other factors for purpose of illustration.

The operating pressure or energy input within chamber 2 or zone A will vary with the ore being treated. In the processing of phosphate ores the operating pressure-s may be in the range from 300 to 900 pounds per square inch. When the desired operating pressure in chamber 2 is attained, valve 7 is closed shutting off the supply of steam, and immediately thereafter actuator 13 moves valve 12 rapidly to its open position, to quickly discharge steam and ore from chamber 2 into the conductor 15. By reason of the energy input, represented by the steam under high pressure, the ore and steam move through the conductor at a relatively high velocity.

Care should be taken to be sure that the line sizes of outlet 11, valve 12, elbow 14 and line 15 do not present any substantial increase in flow area to maintain the energy level and avoid premature shocks in the conduit 15 to thereby assure that the energy release takes place in the blast space in receiving chamber 16 or zone B. It is desirable that the total energy to which the charge is subjected in the charging chamber should not be unduly dissipated during the flow of the charge through the conduit to the receiving chamber or zone B. Of course, some energy will be converted to kinetic energy in accelerating the ore and steam through the conduit to the receiving chamber, but substantially all of the energy will be utilized in the blast space 23 within the receiving chamber 16.

As explained, the relationship of total volume of the receiving chamber 16 or zone B to the charge should be such that when the charge is released into said chamber B, no adverse back-pressure effect is produced in the receiving chamber 16. Proper determination of this total volume with respect to energy input will accomplish the improved results without the use of vacuum.

The efficiency of the pro-cessmay be increased by utilizing a vacuum source having sufficient capacity to prevent any adverse back-pressure condition which might have a substantial effect on the explosive energy release of the charge within the zone B. Obviously, any degree of vacuum to accomplish the result may be employed. Where vacuum is used, the total volume of zone B may be less than the volume of the chamber required for operation under atmospheric conditions. Certain ores, such as asbestos ore, have been found to be more amenable to proper separation of components when vacuum is used. In such instances the asbestos fibers being considerably lighter in weight and having greater surface are protected from any grinding action by reason of ballistic impact with the heavier ore particles traveling at a greater velocity since the fiber velocity falls abruptly as a consequence of disproportionate gas friction which would occur under atmospheric conditions. It can thus be said that the use of vacuum is optional with respect to certain substances being separated but is highly desirable in processing other substances.

As noted above, the receiving chamber 16 is substantially larger than charge chamber 2. Experiments have shown that a receiving chamber having fifty times the volume of its'associated charge chamber will have sufiicient volume for the process of the present invention.

The discharge of the mass flow from line 1 into receiving chamber 16 will be at high velocity and a substantial portion of the energy release will occur in blast zone 23. Thus, blast space 23 is the space in which the steam expands to maximum volume and velocity, and any still condensed steam vaporizes.- This energy release occurs immediately upon entry of the charge into chamber 16. The processing of the ore as described results in the desired separation of the mineral components of the ore as discrete particles.

Several explanations have been suggested and considered regarding the unexpected success of the present invention in producing separated mineral components of the most desirable form and of relatively extreme cleanness. Such explanations have set forth that the steam expansion and water vaporization cause a partial separation and that subsequently ultrasonic vibrations accompanying the sudden energy release and impact of particles will complete the separation and provide the surface cleanness of the particles which is achieved. Also, it is suggested that stationary shock or blast waves are for-med in blast space 23 which, by virtue of attendant vibrations or merely because of their strength, complete the separation and clean the particle surfaces. One of three test units operated thousands of times has produced evidence supporting the presence of stationary shock waves in blast space 23, as deeply etched arrowshaped indentation areas have appeared on wear plate 22. Very possibly the passage of partially separated mineral components through such shock waves would have the effect achieved by the present invention. Other explanations include the possibility that the energy release within such a relatively small zone is within the range of detonation and further that such rapid expansion could have a cavitation effect such as is experienced with screws or propellers in water. Where an impact surface such as I in FIGURE 4 or wear plate 22 in FIGURE 1 is employed, actual impingement of the particles will promote separation. Regardless of the validity of any such explanations the present invention has achieved component separation with particle surface cleanness far beyond that achieved in any prior process or apparatus.

A further result obtained by the present invention has been noted in connection with the configuration of FIG- URES l and 3, and is believed to explain why very little particle attrition and abrasion occur. It has been noted visually that after a charge has been processed by the apparatus of the present invention, the resulting products build up in an area not more than 300 around the circumference of receiving chamber 16 and their path to such position travels from the entrance of line '15 into chamber 16 circumferentially parallel to line 15 for approximately and then abruptly arch downwardly into the lower portion of chamber 16. It is believed that this evidence substantiates the fact that the complete energy release takes place in a relatively small zone and thereafter the momentum of the charge appears to have been almost completely dissipated. It is also believed that when vacuum is used, the maintenance of vacuum conditions within chamber 16 will cause all particles discharged therein to travel at relatively the same velocity thereby eliminating the reduction in desired particle sizes due to the attrition between the larger, heavier and smaller, lighter particles.

The separated mineral components settle immediately into the lower portion of vessel 16 and are discharged therefrom through outlet 20 for further processing (not shown), such as the concentration of the desired mineral components.

Actual operation of the foregoing process has resulted in the substantially complete separation of the mineral components from ore. Such separation has been achieved without the extreme expense involved in previous work utilizing ultrasonic energy. The native particle size and shape of the mineral being separated has been maintained, and such separated mineral particles have been found to have great cleanness of the surfaces of the separated mineral particles. For example, in the processing of phosphate ores concentrations of from 35 to 37% have been achieved using a simple one-stage flotation procedure subsequent to the processing of the ore by the present invention, while some other processes require two stages of flotation procedures with an intermediate stage of chemical cleaning andachieve only 30 to 31% concentration. The difference between these two results occurs because the process of the present invention provides unbroken mineral particles having chemically clean surfaces.

The following illustrative examples generally represent typical test operations in which improved separation of the mineral components resulted from. the use of the present invention. These examples are presented to allow a better understanding of the variables of the process of the present invention. A pelletal phosphate ore of high collophane content can be processed by establishing a steam pressure in charge chamber of 500 p.s.i. in approximately 10 seconds for a charge fraction of- 0.8, and discharging the charge into receiving chamber 16 which is maintained at a vacuum of approximately 26 inches of mercury. A charge fraction of 0.6 of a low grade hard copper ore can be processed by building up 900 p.s.i. steam pressure in the charge chamber 2 in approximately five seconds and immediately discharging the charge into receiving chamber 16 having a vacuum of 26 inches of mercury. A serpentine or containing chrysotile fibers can be processed-having a charge fraction of 0.8 and allowing ten seconds to reach a steam pressure of 850 p.s.i. and five seconds for maintaining such pressure before discharging into receiving chamber 16 which is maintained at 26 inches of mercury vacuum. The processing of asbestos fibers is accomplished by reaching 1,000 psi. steam pressure in ten seconds in a charge fraction of 0.6 and maintaining such pressure for 120 seconds before discharging into a 26-inch vacuum.

The above examples are tests made where vacuum was maintained in zone B. However, tests have been conducted on these same ores, as well as others, without the use of vacuum in zone B. Improved results as compared to any prior art processes were obtained, and discrete particle separation of components was accomplished. In such tests conducted with Zone B under atmospheric pressure conditions, the total volume of zone B was such that the blast space S was small in relationship to the over-all volume of zone B, with the'result that no adverse backpressure effect was created which would have interfered with the energy release. Therefore, so long as the adverse back-pressure effect upon the blast space is eliminated, whether it be by the total volume relationship of zone B to the charge or by means results will be obtained.

Since there are many variables involved in the process of the present invention, such as type of ore, steam pressure, steaming time, charge fraction, vacuum condition (if vacuum is used), all of which cooperate to achieve the desired results, it would be impossible to enumerate herein the exact optimum conditions for every substance that can be processed by the present invention. .For the purposes of this description, the vacuum condition is herein described as subatmospheric pressure which is intended to mean those pressure conditions in zone B which will allow -a substantially complete instantaneous energy release of the energy impressed on the charge.

In the performance of the method of the present invention steam is the preferred fluid to be used as an energy source. However, it is contemplatedthat any fluid having properties similar to steam may be used without departing from the present invention provided suflicient energy may be accumulated and released in the relatively small blast space within the zone B.

The detailed description has been directed primarily to the form of the invention shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, and such description is applicable to the form of the invention shown in FIGURE 4. Since the conductor 15a of FIGURE 4 provides for a straight through flow into the upper end of chamber 16a which defines zone B, the discharge of the substance and fluid stream is directed in a downward axial direction within zone B. Therefore, the blast space S in this form will be as illustrated in FIGURE 5 within said upper end. The same elimination of back-pressure effect on the blast space prevails with respect to chamber 16a so that a full utilization of substantially all energy can be accomplished. In the modified form the use of the impact surface I is optional. It

of a vacuum, the improved 10 is also noted that in the form shown in FIGURE 3 it is not necessary that the conduit 15 enter-the zone B tangentially; instead it may be connected through the wall of chamber 16 to direct the charge radially into chamber 16. In such instance and if desired, the impact surface I could be used.

From the foregoing it can be seen that the present invention discloses a method and apparatus which will successfully separate components of an anisotropic solid substance. The advantages of the present invention are that the costs of the operation of the process will be less than other processes such as grinding; the cost of further processing will be reduced; and a greater recovery of the total values from the material being processed is realized, with the recovery of the components being in a-better, more highly concentrated form.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance comprising,

moving a commingled stream consisting of a particulate solid substance comprising a plurality of components and a fluid having a predetermined level of energy therein at a rate approaching sonic velocity, releasing the commingled fluid'and solid stream into a zone to effect expansion of said fluid to a velocity within the transonic range thereby creating a blast,

the conditions within said zone being such that there is no generation of an adverse back pressure effect upon said blast,

the creation of said blast converting the available energy in the fluid stream into work within the space in which the blast occurs, which work functions to separate the components of said solid substance. 2. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance comprising,

moving a commingled stream consisting 'of a particulate solid substance comprising a plurality of components and a fluid having a predetermined level of energy therein at a rate approaching sonic velocity,

suddenly expanding the commingled stream into a zone to create a blast in which the fluid accelerates to a supersonic velocity, thereby resulting in the generation of shock waves on the surfaces of the solid particles to subject said particles to the forces of said shock waves and produce the separation of their components.

3. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic substance as set forth in claim 1, together with the additional step of,

subjecting at least some of the solid substance and separated components to an impact at the terminus of'the space in which the blast occurs.

4. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance comprising,

subjecting the solid substance to a predetermined input energy of a fluid under pressure in a first zone to create a combined fluid and solid charge under pressure,

suddenly releasing the energy of the fluid and solid charge directly into a second zone to create a blast,

said second zone having a sufficiently large volume with respect to the space in which the blast occurs so that substantially no back pressure conditions and effects react upon said blast to permit free expansion of said blast and full utilization of available input energy and thereby separate the components of said substance.

5. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance comprising,

subjecting the solid substance to a predetermined input energy of a fluid under pressure in a first zone to create a combined fluid and solid charge under pressure,

conducting the combined charge from the first zone to the second zone in a manner to permit expansion of the combined charge only in the direction of the line of flow of the charge during the conducting step and thereby minimize dissipation of the input energy, and

suddenly releasing the energy of the fluid and solid charge directly into a second zone to create a blast therein,

said second zone having a sufficiently large volume with respect to the space in which the blast occurs so that substantially no back pressure conditions and effects react upon said blast to permit free expansion of said blast and full utilization of available input energy to thereby separate the components of said substance.

6. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance as set forth in claim 5, wherein the step of conducting the combined charge from the first zone to the second zone is accomplished by flowing the same through a restriction of substantially non-increasing cross-sectional area to prevent loss of energy and to also produce an increased flow velocity of said charge.

7. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic substance as set forth in claim 5, together with the step of,

subjecting at least some of the solid substance and separated components to an impact within the second zone at the terminus of said blast space.

8. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic substance as set forth in claim 5, together with the step of preheating the solid substance prior to the introduction of the fluid into said first zone.

9. The method of separating the components of an anisotropic solid substance comprising,

initially subjectingthe solid substance to a fluid at superatmospheric pressure in a first zone to create a combined fluid and solid charge under said pressure,

conducting the combined charge from the first zone to a second zone in a manner to permit expansion of said combined charge only in the direction of the line of flow of the charge during the cnducting step and thereby minimize the dissipation of the energy within said charge,

simultaneously and suddenly releasing the energy of the fluid and solid charge under super-atmospheric pressure directly into said second zone which is maintained at subatmospheric pressure to increase the utilization of said released energy to assure eificient separation of the components of said solid substance.

10. The method of separating minerals from an ore comprising,

initially subjectingthe ore :to a predetermined input energy of a fluid at super-atmospheric pressure to create a combined fluid and ore charge under pressure, and

simultaneously and suddenly releasing the energy of the fluid and ore charge at superatmospheric pressure directly into a zone maintained-at suba-tmospheric pressure to create a blast,

the volume of said zone and the maintainence of said subatmospheric pressure creating a condition within the zone which is such that substantially no adverse back pressure conditions and eifects react upon said blast to permit free expansion of said blast and full utilization of available input energy and thereby separate the minerals from said ore.

11. The method of separating minerals from an ore as set forth in claim 10, wherein the fluid at superatmospheric pressure is steam.

12. The method as set forth in claim 10 wherein,

the flow of the ore and steam is confined by a restriction of substantially constant cross-sectional area just prior to release into the subatmospheric pressure zone to minimize dissipation of energy and to increase flow velocity during passage to said zone.

13. An apparatus for processing an anisotropic solid substance to separate its components comprising,

a first vessel for receiving the substance to be processed and defining a first zone, said vessel having an inlet and an outlet,

means for introducing a fluid under pressure into said vessel through said inlet to subject the substance therein to a predetermined input energy,

a quick-opening valve in said vessel outlet for con trolling confluent discharge of the substance and fluid from said vessel,

a second vessel defining a second zone, and means between the first and second vessels for conducting the substance and fluid from said first zone to said second zone when said valve is opened,

said conducting means being. of such cross-sectional area and length as to limit expansion of the combined substance and fluid stream to a direction parallel to the line of flow of said stream to thereby increase the linear flow velocity during the passage of the solid substance and pressure fluid therethrough and to assure that substantially all of the available input energy is released within a space within said 'second zone to separate the components of said substance,

the total volume of the second zone defined by the second vessel being sufliciently large with respect to the space in which the energy is released so that no adverse back pressure conditions and effects react on said space.

14. An apparatus for processing an anisotropic solid substance to separate its components as set forth in claim 13, together with an impact surface disposed within the interior of the second vessel and located at the terminus of the space in which energy releases occur.

15. An apparatus for processing an anisotropic solid substance to separate its components comprising,

a first vessel for receiving the substance to be processed and defining a first zone, said vessel having an inlet and an outlet,

means for introducing a fluid under pressure into said vessel through said inlet to subject the substance therein to a predetermined input energy,

a quick-opening valve in said vessel outlet for controlling confiuent discharge of the substance and fluid from said vessel,

:1 second vessel defining a second zone, and means between the first and second vessels for conducting the substance and fluid from said first zone to said second zone when said valve is opened,

said conducting means being of such cross-sectional area and length as to limit expansion of the combined substance and fluid stream to a direction parallel :to the line of flow of said stream to thereby increase the linear flow velocity during the passage of the solid substance and pressure fluid therethrough, and to assure that substantially all of the available input energy is released Within a space within said second zone :to separate the components of said substance,

means connected with the second vessel for maintaining the second zone defined thereby under a vacuum, the size of said second vessel together with the vacuum maintained therein creating a condition in said second zone which will not generate an adverse back pressure effect upon the space in which the energy is released.

16. An apparatus for processing an anisotropic solid substance to separate its components comprising,

a first vessel for receiving the substance to be processed and defining a first zone, said vessel having an inlet and an outlet,

means for introducing a fluid under pressure into said vessel through said inlet to subject the substance therein to a predetermined input energy,

a quick-opening valve in'said vessel outlet for controlling confluent discharge of the substance and fluid from said vessel,

a second vessel defining a second zone, and means between the first aud second vessels for conducting the substance and fluid from said first zone to said second zone when said valve is opened,

said conducting means providing a restriction and forming a nozzle which cause the fluid under pressure to accelerate-to supersonic velocity upon release within a space within said second zone,

Reterences Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Dean 241-1 X Dunn 241-40 Joyce 241-1 X Yellott 241-1 Meyer 241-39 5 ROBERT C. RIORDON, Primary Examiner.

LESTER M. SWINGLE, Examiner.

D. KELLY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. THE METHOD OF SEPARTING THE COMPONENTS OF AN ANISOTROPIC SOLID SUBSTANCE COMPRISING: MOVING A COMMINGLED STREAM CONSISTING OF A PARTICULATE SOLID SUBSTANCE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF COMPONENTS AND A FLUID HAVING A PREDETERMINED LEVEL OF ENERGY THEREIN AT A RATE APPROACHING SONIC VELOCITY, RELEASING THE COMMINGLED FLUID AND SOLID STREAM INTO A ZONE TO EFFECT EXPANSION OF SAID FLUID TO A VELOCITY WITHIN THE TRANSONIC RANGE THEREBY CREATING A BLAST, THE CONDITIONS WITHIN SAID ZONE BEING SUCH THAT THERE IS NO GENERATION OF AN ADVERSE BACK PRESSURE EFFECT UPON SAID BLAST, THE CREATION OF SAID BLAST CONVERTING THE AVAILABLE ENERGY IN THE FLUID STREAM TO WORK WITHIN THE SPACE IN WHICH THE BLAST OCCURS, WHICH WORK FUNCTIONS TO SEPARATE THE COMPONENTS OF SAID SOLID SUBSTANCE. 